Centralized Mail Delivery

Effectively Planning for USPS Delivery Service

Centralized mail delivery equipment can be in the form of any “clustered” style of mailboxes including free-standing, pedestal mounted Cluster Box Units (CBU), or other Standard 4C (STD-4C) compliant mailboxes mounted in or on a wall. Manufacturers must produce a mailbox which meets or exceeds all US Postal Service (USPS) Specifications and then submit a prototype to the USPS for rigorous testing and approval. Once accepted, the final product will receive the appropriate designation and be approved for use. All STD-4C compliant mailboxes must meet the USPS design and installation regulations to receive a “USPS Approved” designation; while all CBUs must also be officially licensed by the USPS.

Not only is approved centralized mail delivery equipment now specified by the USPS for nearly all new construction projects, but newer types of equipment may also be required for any major renovation to older existing mailbox installations. For instance, if your project will disturb the rough opening of the wall your mailboxes are currently mounted into, new centralized mail delivery equipment such as the STD-4C may be required.

Besides wall-mounting, it is also vital that subdivision regulations and other community planning guidelines address the need to review and include common space planning for centralized mail delivery equipment – an all too often last minute consideration. This important public service should be addressed early in the planning process to provide developers with comprehensive resources which will help avoid headaches later and ensure mail delivery is not delayed. Effective pre-planning not only allows for the creation of a true community gathering area, but ensures that residents will not have to stand in the street, or have limited access to safely retrieve their mail and packages.

It is important to check with local postal officials prior to planning any mailbox installation to ensure local requirements and proper placement is included in the overall design plan. See our Postal Regulations page for contact information.

Consider Accessible Installation Location

Proper planning for appropriate common space in highly visible, centralized areas provides greater protection from mail theft and vandalism as well as better accessibility and safety in retrieving mail and packages. Placement of cluster boxes in a new development should always be done in collaboration with local Postal Service delivery planning contacts to ensure proper site selection. It is very important to site cluster boxes in proximity to sidewalks for good accessibility for both customers and carriers; including sufficient turnaround space in front of the equipment. The USPS Delivery Planning Guide for Builders and Developers elaborates.

Exceed Parcel Locker Requirements

As of July 2020, the U.S. Postal Service specifications require one (1) parcel locker for every five (5) mail compartments (1:5) for each centralized installation location. These parcel lockers can be added within each individual mailbox module or grouped together in one location near the mailboxes. The exponential growth of online sales validates that planning for more parcel lockers is more important than ever to keep up with both present and future package volumes.

Provide Security Through Generic Compartment ID

Sequential numbering identification (unlike assigning mailbox IDs that match apartment or house numbers) of mailbox compartments may allow greater flexibility in providing accessible mailbox compartments that meet accessibility regulations which are applicable to your project. It also provides greater security and privacy for residents.

Discover the Benefits of Centralized Mail Delivery

• Multiple deliveries per stop results in faster service for customers due to less time per delivery stop, resulting in lower costs – the Postmaster General’s office estimates that door delivery costs the USPS about $353 per address each year while curbside delivery costs $224, and centralized delivery equipment $160 per address.
• Larger compartments hold several days’ worth of deliveries without rolling or folding the mail, and convenient built in package lockers eliminates the need to be home or at the office during services hours – reducing extra trips to the Post Office® to retrieve items.
• Highly visible centralized mail centers are safer than isolated delivery locations for residents and help provide greater protection from mail theft and mailbox vandalism.
• Locked and secure mail collection saves residents trips to the Post Office® or collection boxes and protects contents from the weather better than unsecured receptacles.
• Eliminates curbside “clutter” with more efficient use of space beautifying neighborhoods.
• Builds stronger neighbor relationships and trust as residents meet and talk while retrieving their mail – increasing community collaboration and awareness.
• Costs less to install per resident than individual mailboxes and mail delivery can often begin even before residences are occupied.
• Centralized mail locations reduce risks to letter carriers due to unleashed dogs and poorly maintained sidewalks.
• Fewer vehicle stops results in lower vehicle maintenance costs.